2013 – 2014 Archives

Ellis Commits to TFC Women’s SoccerGabrielle “Gaby” Ellis from Huntingtown, Maryland, has committed to the Toccoa Falls Lady Eagles and Coach Jake Warren. Ellis’ signature is the fifth new recruit for the 2014 Lady Eagles.Gaby graduated from Grace Christian Academy where she was a four year starter for GCA. As a sophomore, she was named to the Maryland Independent Schools Athletic League (MISAL) first team, and led her team with 10 assists. Gaby was elected as team captain her senior season. Additionally, she was again voted to the MISAL all-league team and received GCA’s Best Offensive Player award. Gaby also gained playing experience with the Calvert Soccer Association (CSA).”Gaby is a skilled player that will help us in the attacking phase of the game,” said Coach Warren. “Her natural ability to score and distribute the ball will add an important element to our team. Gaby’s passion for the game and her walk with Christ are exactly the qualities we want in our program.”The daughter of Robert and Tammie Ellis, Gaby plans to major in Middle Grades Education and Bible at Toccoa Falls. Gaby said of TFC, “I am excited to follow God’s plan for my life, and to be able to play at TFC.”

The women’s soccer program at Toccoa Falls College and Coach Jake Warren have announced the signing of three student-athletes who will join the program in August. In addition to those who have already signed with TFC, the new incoming players will add talent and depth as the Lady Eagles prepare for their second season under Warren.

Megan Brown, from nearby Clayton, Georgia, has re-signed with TFC after missing her freshman season with a broken jaw. As a freshman at North Gwinnett High school, Megan was named the junior varsity’s most improved player. After she transferred to Rabun County High, Megan was named the varsity’s most valuable offensive player in her sophomore and junior seasons. Additionally, Brown was a recipient of the Female Academic Athlete award as a junior.

In her senior campaign, Megan was voted as team captain, co-MVP, first team all-region, and a scholar athlete. She tallied 14 goals and 10 assists in her final year at Rabun County. Megan has played her club ball with Atlanta Fire FC and Peachtree Ridge Select.

Megan will major in Early Childhood Education at Toccoa Falls. She is the daughter of Stephen Brown and Jerri Canup.

“Megan is a very skilled and scrappy player that will add some quickness to our lineup,” said Warren of the goal scoring forward. “She has quality club soccer experience under her belt as well as some impressive achievements for her high school team. We are excited to have Megan for the upcoming season as her absence was felt last fall.”

Jacinda “JJ” Lee will enter Toccoa Falls as a transfer student after playing a season at Fullerton College, a junior college in California. JJ will look to fill the center midfielder role vacated by graduating all-region player Lauren Howell.

Before enrolling at Fullerton, Lee starred at Sunny Hills High School and played with Cypress Futball Club, Fullerton Rangers, and Beach FC.

JJ will major in Business Administration at TFC. She is the daughter of Michael and Darleen Lee.

Coach Warren said of JJ, “She will be a wonderful addition to our program. She is a gifted player who is comfortable on the ball and will add a dynamic flair for us in midfield. She comes to us with a wealth of high level club and high school experience as well as one season of college soccer under her belt. We are very excited to have JJ for her spirited personality along with her ability as a player.”

Goalkeeper Emily Truelove will push for immediate playing time between the posts. A graduating senior from North Hall High School (Gainesville, Georgia), Truelove is a multi-year starter at NHHS and has an illustrious club career.

During her time with Lanier Soccer Association, North Georgia Soccer Association, and North Georgia YMCA, Truelove has been a part of two Georgia soccer state championships, one second place finish at the state tournament, and a region championship. Her club team has also won the GRPA state title.

An outdoor enthusiast and future biology major, Emily is the daughter of Jason and Beth Truelove.

Coach Warren said of Emily, “We are very excited about the addition of Emily to our program as she is everything we want in a student-athlete. She is dedicated to her work both on the field and as a student and most importantly passionate about her faith in Christ. Emily will provide some much needed depth for us at the goalkeeper position and we expect her to contribute from the start.”

Stands Signs with Toccoa

The Toccoa Falls College women’s soccer program and head coach Jake Warren are pleased to announce its first signing of the 2014 recruiting class. Olivia Stands from Boise, Idaho, has signed her letter of intent and will join the TFC Lady Eagles program in the fall of 2014.

Stands is a skilled player who stars as an outside midfielder for Meridian High School. At Meridian, Olivia is a two year starter on the varsity squad and was awarded the Best Offensive Player and the Warrior Award, and is a two time recipient of the Academic Achievement Award. She was also nominated for first team all-region for the 5A Division Idaho. Stands currently plays for Rush Soccer Club and has playing experience with the Boise National Soccer Club. As a member of BNSC, Stands won two consecutive state cups.

Coach Warren said of the signing, “We are very excited to add Olivia to our program. After a great high school and club career, she brings the quality and experience we are looking for in players. Not only is she a talented player, Olivia has sustained success in the classroom and exhibits the character qualities that make her an excellent fit for our school.”

Olivia plans to major in Secondary Science Education and is the daughter of Jeff and Lydia Stands. Mrs. Lydia Stands also attended Toccoa Falls College.

TFC Comes Up Short in Semifinals

The TFC soccer women traveled to Kissimmee, Florida, on Friday to take on Bob Jones University in the opening round of the south region tournament. The Lady Eagles traveled to Florida with hopes of playing spoiler, having won four of their last 5 matches and three in a row. Bob Jones also entered into the match on a hot streak. The Lady Bruins had won four consecutive matches and were seeded second in the tournament. TFC’s upset bid as the three seed ended abruptly as the Lady Eagles fell 3-0 to BJU.

TFC’s season ends with a 6-11 record in Coach Jake Warren’s first season at the helm. Junior Lizz Rice led the Lady Eagles in scoring with 17 goals. The BJU loss was the final match for seniors Rachel Berry, Lauren Howell, and Sara Loghry.

Lady Eagles Win on Senior Day

TFC hosted Berea College on Saturday afternoon in their last match of the regular season. Saturday’s contest was the final home game for three TFC seniors (Pictured L-R: Rachel Berry, Lauren Howell, and Sara Allen Loghry). TFC entered Saturday having won two straight games, most recently a 1-0 victory over Wesleyan College earlier in the week. The Berea Mountaineers (6-7) were also victorious in their previous match, a 9-0 trouncing over Johnson University. On Senior Day at TFC, the Lady Eagles topped Berea 2-0.

Senior Lauren Howell scored early in the first half to put the Lady Eagles ahead 1-0. Howell controlled a cross, avoided one defender, and slotted the ball into the side netting. The first half ended with the Lady Eagles ahead 1-0 despite both sides having good looks on frame.

Forward Lizz Rice, TFC”s leading scorer, doubled TFC’s lead less than 15 minutes into the second half as she dribbled right and shot the ball just over the keeper’s hands. Rice’s 17th goal of the year gave TFC a comfortable 2-0 margin. Keeper Katherine Borderud and TFC’s back four earned their third consecutive clean sheet.

The 10th ranked Lady Eagles head into the south region tournament on a three game wining streak and winners of four of their last five matches. The Lady Eagles will next face #5 Bob Jones University in the opening round of the region tournament on Thursday at 3:00 pm in Kissimmee, Florida. The winner of the opening round match will face the winner of #1 Clearwater Christian College and hosts Johnson University (FL). The region championship game will be played on Saturday afternoon.

TFC Wins Back to Back Games

TFC Lady Eagles hosted Wesleyan College on Wednesday night. TFC entered Wednesday’s match following a 4-0 victory over region foes Johnson University (FL) over the weekend. Wesleyan previously fell 2-0 to Huntingdon College on Tuesday night. TFC’s leading scorer Lizz Rice buried the lone goal of the match to give the Lady Eagles their second consecutive win.

Forward Lizz Rice scored her 16th goal of the season with 25 minutes left on the clock. Teammate Lauren Howell won a header from a Wesleyan goal kick, and the powerful header sprung Rice one on one with the Wesleyan keeper. Rice calmly finished the chance with a cool chip over the on-coming keeper.

TFC’s Katherine Borderud earned her first shut out of the season with 12 saves in the match. TFC has won back to back games for the first time this season. The Lady Eagles have also won three of their last four matches.

The Lady Eagles will conclude their regular season on Saturday as they host Berea College for a 3:00 match. Saturday’s contest will be TFC’s Senior Day as the Lady Eagles honor seniors Lauren Howell, Katherine Borderud, Sara Loghry, and Rachel Berry.

TFC Earns Region Win

The TFC Lady Eagles completed their Florida road trip on Saturday with a south region bout against hosts Johnson University of Florida (formerly known as Florida Christian College). The Lady Eagles were defeated the night before 3-1 by #1 Clearwater Christian College. On a hot day with tired legs, the Lady Eagles rebounded to top Johnson University (FL) by a comfortable 4-0 margin.

TFC jumped to a first half lead of 2-0 and doubled its lead in the second half. Lizz Rice scored twice in the win, and seniors Lauren Howell and Sara Loghry each added a goal.

The Lady Eagles will host Wesleyan College on Wednesday at 5:00 PM. TFC will conclude its regular season on Saturday as they host Berea College at 3:00 PM. The Berea match will also serve as Senior Day for the Lady Eagles.

Lady Eagles Defeated at Clearwater

The Lady Eagles traveled to Clearwater, Florida, on Friday in search of an upset of the top ranked Clearwater Christian College Lady Cougars. The match in Florida was the second time the Lady Eagles attempted to upset the Lady Cougars. Clearwater previously topped Toccoa 4-1 in early October in a match played at TFC. In the rematch, the hosts withstood the pesky Lady Eagles and escaped with a 3-1 victory.

Clearwater took a 2-0 lead into the halftime break, but halftime adjustments by TFC made the second period a hard fought 45 minutes. After CCC increased its lead to 3-0, TFC’s Lizz Rice scored to bring the game to 3-1. TFC continued its comeback attempt and earned a free kick 20 yards from the Clearwater net. Defender Elizabeth Mattison buried the free kick but was forced to retake the kick by the official as he moved the ball slightly forward from its original position. Had Mattison’s goal of counted, the match would have been 3-2 with the momentum in TFC’s camp. Instead, the goal was disallowed and TFC eventually fell 3-1 to the defending national champions.

The Lady Eagles will host Wesleyan College on Wednesday at 5:00 PM. TFC will conclude its regular season on Saturday as they host Berea College at 3:00 PM. The Berea match will also serve as Senior Day for the Lady Eagles.

TFC Defeats Johnson on Homecoming

The TFC Lady Eagles hosted Johnson University on Friday night not Homecoming. The Lady Eagles entered the match having lost to Wesleyan College 3-1 on Tuesday, while Johnson had most recently been defeated by Kentucky Christian University, 4-0. TFC’s attack gave the home crowd plenty for which to cheer. Behind a hat trick from forward Lizz Rice, the Lady Eagles topped the visiting Lady Royals 5-0.

TFC jumped to an 1-0 lead on Johnson within the opening 10 minutes of play and never put the match in doubt. TFC would add two more scores before the half for a 3-0 lead. The Lady Eagles added two additional goals in the second period for a 5-0 victory.

Rice (3), Lauren Howell, and Nicole Cooprider were on the score sheet for TFC. Keepers Becca Heath and Katherine Borderud combined for the shutout.

TFC will travel to region opponents Clearwater Christian College on Friday night for a 6:30 match. The match should be streamed live here. The following day, TFC will play at Florida Christian College in their second region game of the weekend.

Lady Eagles fall to Clearwater

The TFC Lady Eagles hosted the top ranked Clearwater Christian College on Friday night in an intense match that saw TFC’s upset bid fall short, 4-1.

TFC fell behind 1-0 less than 5 minutes into the game, but TFC”s Lizz Rice fired the equalizer from a quick counter attack started by Rachel Berry. Clearwater would add goals in the 13th and 28th minutes to take a 3-1 lead going into the half.

The Lady Cougars would score their fourth and final goal in the 70th minute mark. All-American forward Tori Hale scored a hat-trick for the visiting Lady Cougars.

Toccoa Falls will travel to Wesleyan College on Tuesday. The Lady Eagles will host Johnson University at 5:00 on October 11 as part of TFC’s homecoming weekend.

TFC Tops Warren Wilson

The Lady Eagles hosted Warren Wilson College on September 21 in a rain-soaked match in which the weather made it difficult for either side to control the ball and complete passes. After losing four consecutive one goal games, TFC found themselves on the correct side of a 1-0 win as they topped the Warren Wilson Owls.

The lone goal of the match occurred in the early going as TFC’s Lizz Rice crossed the ball into the box. Instead of finding a teammate, the ball ricocheted off an Owl defender and into the back of the net. Following the auspicious start, TFC created several more chances but were unable to increase their lead. Contrarily, Warren Wilson struggled to break down the Lady Eagles defense.

With the win, TFC improved to 2-5 on the season. The Lady Eagles will travel to Oglethorpe University on September 26 for a 4:30 PM match.

TFC Falls in Second Consecutive Overtime Match

The TFC Lady Eagles hosted NCAA DIII Huntingdon College from Montgomery, Alabama, on Wednesday night. Huntingdon entered the match with a 1-1 record and were victorious in their last match, a 2-0 victory over Judson. In TFC’s last match, the Lady Eagles (1-4) were defeated 2-1 in overtime at LaGrange College. The visiting Lady Hawks controlled the majority of the match and topped the Lady Eagles 1-0 in double overtime.

After a scoreless regulation and first overtime period, TFC was just 77 seconds away from squeaking out a scoreless draw against a talented Huntingdon squad. However, Huntingdon’s Christian Bolden ended the game with a dramatic golden goal via a cross from a Huntingdon winger.

The loss to Huntingdon was TFC’s second straight overtime defeat to a NCAA DIII opponent, and the Lady Eagles fourth loss by a single goal differential. The Lady Eagles will look to rebound on Saturday as they host Warren Wilson College at 3:00 PM.

Lady Eagles Downed in Overtime

The Lady Eagles of Toccoa Falls College traveled to LaGrange College on September 14 for a Saturday clash. TFC entered the match with a 1-3 record and lost to Bob Jones 1-0 in their latest match. The home Lady Panthers entered with a 3-2 mark and were victorious 1-0 over Millsaps prior to hosting the Lady Eagles. TFC fought hard against the NCAA Division III side, but were overcome 2-1 in overtime.

There was minimal action through a scoreless first half in which LaGrange out shot TFC 13-0. Of the 13 shots LaGrange tallied in the first 45′, only four were on target and required a save from keeper Becca Heath. It was not until the 59′ that the Lady Panthers finally found the back of the net with a strike from Andrea Richard. TFC’s Nicole Cooprider answered just 11 minutes later with an equalizing goal to tie the score at 1-1. Senior Lauren Howell earned the assist on Cooprider’s goal. When regulation ended still tied at one goal apiece, the LaGrange had increased their advantage in the shot column, 24-2.

The Lady Panthers pressed hard in the first few minutes of overtime and put the Lady Eagles defense further on their heels. In the 93 minute, LaGrange’s Sydney Dorsey collected the ball from teammate Michaela Osborne and buried the shot for the golden goal winner. In the end, Heath collected 11 saves for TFC in the 2-1 loss.

TFC will host Huntingdon College on Wednesday and the Eagles of Trinity Baptist on Friday. Both matches will begin at 5:00 PM and will be streamed live. Follow @TFCAthletics on Twitter and Facebook to access the links for each match.

TFC Drops Tight Match to Bob Jones

The TFC women’s soccer team hosted Bob Jones University on September 12. The Eagles entered the game a 1 – 2 record. TFC attempted a new strategy to defend the talented Bruins from BJU but were narrowly defeated 1 – 0.

TFC played an organized, compact defense while attempting to spring leading scorer Lizz Rice in the counter attack. Coach Warren’s plan worked perfectly through the first 60′ of the game. The Eagles frustrated and congested BJU’s attack while Rice had several moments of pressure on the opposing goal. With less than 20′ remaining in the game, BJU’s Rebecca Luttrell broke the deadlock with the game winning goal.

With the loss, the Eagles fall to a 1-3 mark on the young season while BJU improved to 2-2-1. TFC will travel to LaGrange College on Saturday for a 6:00 PM kickoff. The following week, the Eagles will host Huntingdon College and Trinity Baptist College on Wednesday and Friday, respectively. Both home matches will begin at 5:00 PM and will be streamed live.

TFC Nets First Win of the Season

The TFC Lady Eagles (1-2) and first year head coach Jake Warren earned their first victory of the young season on September 6. TFC hosted and defeated region foe Florida Christian College 5 – 0 behind four goals and an assist from forward Lizz Rice.

Rice and the Eagles attack scored early and often to put the game out of reach away from the visiting Suns. Nicole Cooprider scored the first goal of her TFC career in the win. Coach Jake Warren said, “This was a real team effort, and it is nice to get the first win of the season.”

After a late Friday evening win over Florida Christian, the Eagles left early Saturday morning to travel to Crown College in Knoxville, Tennessee, to face Ohio Christian University on a neutral field. TFC held a 3-2 lead in the 85th minute, but the Eagles succumbed to the heat and conditions of games on back to back days. The OCU Trailblazers scored two goals in the final five minutes to steal a 4-3 win from TFC. In the loss, Rice netted two more goals and senior captain Lauren Howell contributed with two assists. “The Ohio Christian game was a tough one after a short turnaround and a long drive. We did some really good things despite the unfavorable conditions,” said Coach Warren.

TFC will host Bob Jones University at 5:00 PM on September 12. Following the women’s game, the TFC men’s team will also face BJU. The Lady Eagles will finish the week with a road game on September 14 at LaGrange College.

Warren Hired to Lead Women’s Soccer

The Toccoa Falls College athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Jake Warren as the head coach of the women’s soccer program. Coach Warren replaces Doug Howell, who resigned earlier this week. With his hiring, Coach Warren becomes the 6th head coach of the women’s soccer program since becoming a varsity sport in 1997.

A native of Gainesville, Georgia, Coach Warren played his high school soccer at Heritage Academy and club soccer with Atlanta United. As a collegiate student-athlete, Warren played one season with Covenant College and three seasons at TFC. While at Toccoa Falls, he led the Eagles to a South Region championship (2005) and two national tournament appearances (2005 and 2006). A crafty, distributing center midfielder, Warren was awarded with three, first team All – Region selections and was a first team All – American recipient in 2006 and 2008. After exhausting his collegiate eligibility as TFC’s all-time assist leader, Warren played for two seasons in the National Premier Soccer League with Chattanooga Football Club. He has also taken multiple international training tours to Chile, Argentina, and Mexico.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the women’s soccer program. It is an honor to represent my alma mater as a head coach,” said Warren.

Jake Warren began his coaching career at TFC with the men’s program as an assistant coach from 2009-2011. During that time, Jake also assisted with the women’s goalkeepers. He also has previously worked as the academy boys coach at North Georgia Soccer Association. Warren holds a USSF “D” license.

Said Athletic Director Jason Mehl of Coach Warren, “I am excited Jake is joining our team of coaches. The combination of his previous coaching experience and his playing experiences at TFC, semi-professionally, and internationally make him a great addition. I am very excited about the job he’s going to do with the team.”

Coach Warren graduated from TFC with a bachelor’s degree in Counseling/Psychology in 2009 and will earn a master’s in Sports Management from Liberty University in November. His wife, Ashley (Ziegler) was a TFC soccer stand out as well. The Warrens live in Toccoa and are members at Foothills Community Church.

Lady Eagles Release 2013 Schedule

The TFC Lady Eagles soccer team has released their schedule for the fall of 2013. The season will begin for the Lady Eagles when they welcome Kentucky Christian University and Clearwater Christian College to campus for the TFC Classic tournament on August 30 – 31. The highlight of the schedule will be on Friday, October 11 as the Lady Eagles host Johnson University as their homecoming opponent. The homecoming match will kick off at 5:00. In total, the Lady Eagles will play 11 home games and 7 away games. To view the complete 2013 TFC Lady Eagles soccer schedule, please click here.

2012 – 2013 Archives

Lady Eagles’ Season Ends in Region FinalThe women’s soccer south region tournament was held at TFC on October 26-27. The hosting Lady Eagles advanced to the tournament final, but were defeated by the nation’s top ranked Clearwater Christian College.In the semi-final match, the TFC Lady Eagles defeated Florida Christian College Suns, 6-0. TFC dominated the match, and out shot the Suns 34-2. TFC’s offensive explosion was led by Lizz Rice, who scored two goals and also added an assist. Lauren Howell, Siara Stacey, Lindsay Zubler, and Kaelyn Watson each scored a goal in the win. Cory Buterbaugh assisted three of the Lady Eagles’ goals.Needing to upset Clearwater Christian for an automatic bid to the national tournament, the Lady Eagles were out done despite their best efforts. CCC (15-2) scored an early goal in the match off the foot of the nation’s top player, Tori Hale. With the confidence of previously defeating the Lady Eagles twice in the regular season, Clearwater had all they needed to defeat TFC, and advance to the national tournament. Clearwater added two more goals before halftime for a 3-0 lead. A late, second half goal increased the final score to 4-0. TFC was outshot in the match 8-20. TFC head coach Doug Howell said, “I’m really proud of my seniors and this team. We improved a lot, and we have a good group returning next year.”TFC’s season ended with a respectable 8-11 record; however, the Lady Eagles narrowly missed out on the at-large bid to the national tournament. TFC had four, first team all-region selections. Siara Stacey, Kaelyn Watson, Cory Buterbaugh, and Lauren Howell were selected by the region coaches. The region coaches also selected the second team all-region. Those selections were Becca Weatherstone and Lizz Rice. The region tournament final was the last game for seniors Becca Weatherstone, Kaelyn Watson, Cory Buterbaugh, Jennifer Doll, Karla Whitley, and Starry Bone.

TFC to Host South Region Tournament

Toccoa Falls College men’s and women’s soccer programs will host the South Region tournament on October 26 and 27. The women are the #2 seed, and will face #3 Florida Christian College on Friday the 26th at 4:30. The winner of that match will face will #1 Clearwater Christian College on Saturday at 4:30.

TFC’s men are also the #2 seed, and will host #3 Trinity Baptist College on Friday, October 26th at 7:00. The winner of that match will advance to face #1 Clearwater Christian College on Saturday at 7:00. The winners of Saturday’s matches will advance to the NCCAA national tournament in Kissimmee, Florida, on November 8-10.

Lady Eagles Win Second Straight

The TFC Lady Eagles defeated region opponent Florida Christian College on October 13. In a dominating performance, TFC controlled the match and earned the victory on homecoming, 3-0.

Senior Cory Buterbaugh gave TFC an early lead as she finished a shot from close range off a through ball from Lizz Rice. Midway through the first half, Lizz Rice double the Lady Eagles’ advantage. Defender Lauren Howell won possession from FCC, and played a long ball for Rice to run on to. Rice beat the defenders to the ball, and slipped the shot past the oncoming goalie. Rice’s goal gave TFC a 2-0 halftime lead. The score would remain 2-0 throughout most of the second half. TFC was content to possess the ball after halftime, and force the visiting Suns to defend the ball. Senior Kaelyn Watson would get the third and final goal for the Lady Eagles. Watson flicked Sierra Stacey’s corner kick into the back of the net with her head.

TFC dominated the match statistically, out shooting their opponents 42-2. The win was TFC’s second consecutive win, and brought their season record to 6-7 overall, and 2-2 in conference. TFC will have home games on Monday and Wednesday. On Monday, TFC will host Judson College at 4:00. On Wednesday, Georgia Gwinnett College will visit TFC for a 7:00 kick.

TFC Gets Road Win

TFC’s women’s soccer team traveled to Macon, Georgia, to face Wesleyan College on Wednesday. The visiting side dominated the match, and the Lady Eagles were victorious 3-0.

Having scored just a single goal in their previous three matches, the Lady Eagles have devoted countless practice time to finishing, and finally saw their hard work pay off against Wesleyan College. The Lady Eagles found the back of the net three times in the match, and controlled the ball possession throughout. TFC midfielder Cory Buterbaugh scored twice in the first 25 minutes of action. First, Buterbaugh finished from distanced in the 12th minute of the match. TFC’s lead would double to 2-0 after Buterbaugh scored her second goal of the game in the 23rd minute. Both of Buterbaugh’s goals were assisted by Lizz Rice. TFC tallied 16 shots in the first half alone, compared to just one by Wesleyan. The score would remain at 2-0 until the 77th minute. Lauren Howell converted from the penalty spot to give the Lady Eagles a comfortable 3-0 margin. In total, the Lady Eagles had 28 shots on goal. 16 of those shots were saved by Wesleyan’s keeper, Abby Stephens. Kaelyn Watson was credited with the shutout for the Lady Eagles.

The Lady Eagles’ homecoming match will be played at 1:00 against region opponent Florida Christian College. The Lady Eagles will also be at home on Monday, October 15th for a 4:00 match against Judson.

Seniors Lead Lady Eagles in Conference Win

The Lady Eagles soccer team visited region opponent Florida Christian College on September 22, and came away with a 2-0 victory. The Lady Eagles were victorious in an important region match up that tested their ability to rebound from a tough loss the day before.

TFC (4-4) answered the call and showed their resiliency by dominating the possession and attack of the match. TFC’s midfielder Corey Buterbaugh exampled senior leadership by giving the Lady Eagles the 1-0 lead. The goal was Buterbaugh’s second of the year and was assisted by Liz Rice. Karla Whitely, another TFC senior, increased the lead to 2-0 with her team leading fourth goal on the year. Buterbaugh was credited with the assist on the goal. Kaelyn Watson played the full 90 minutes in net for TFC, and was awarded her first shutout of the season. It was the Lady Eagles’ fourth shutout this year. TFC out shot FCC in the game, 25-5.

The TFC Lady Eagles will play two road matches this week. First, they will travel to North Carolina to face Warren Wilson College on Thursday, September 27. Two days later on the 29th, the Lady Eagles will square off against Tennessee Temple University.

TFCFalls to Rival Clearwater Christian

Toccoa Falls College women’s soccer team fell on the road on September 21 to undefeated Clearwater Christian College, 5-0. The Lady Eagles were decimated by injuries to their backline, and were unable to stop the nation’s leading goal scoring combo.

The Lady Eagles (4-4) went into the match optimistic about their progress on the season, and had allowed a total of two goals in their previous four matches. The Lady Eagles fell behind early in the match when the nation’s leading attacker Tori Hale gave the Clearwater Cougars (7-0) the early lead. Hale would bury another strike before the intermission to increase the home side’s advantage to 2-0. Shortly after halftime, as several Lady Eagle defenders were sidelined by injury, Hale scored two more goals in quick succession to remove any remaining doubt in the game. Kelsey Redemann would tack on the Clearwater’s fifth goal before the final whistle.

Toccoa Falls was out shot in the match, 5-23. TFC goal keeper Kaelyn Watson saved 8 and reserve keeper Becca Heath was credited with two saves.

TFC Lady Eagles will play two road matches this week. First, they will travel to North Carolina to face Warren Wilson College on Thursday, September 27. Two days later on the 29th, the Lady Eagles will square off against Tennessee Temple University.

Lady Eagles Stumble on the Road

Toccoa Falls women’s soccer team (3-3) traveled to Greenville, South Carolina, to face Bob Jones University (2-4) on September 14. Bob Jones University is in their inaugural intercollegiate season, and is a member of NCCAA Division 1. The Lady Eagles from Toccoa Falls were outmatched in the game, and fell to the Lady Bruins, 1-0.

The Lady Eagles fell behind in the 18th minute of the match when BJU’s Jocelyn Reemtsma scored from distance over the head of TFC’s goalie Kaelyn Watson. Even though the Lady Eagles were able to regroup and show a more determined effort in the second half, Bob Jones would continue to control the possession and statistics of the match. TFC was out shot in the game, 23-3. Despite the large disparity in shots, Watson was only forced to make 6 saves on the night as most of BJU’s shots strayed off target. TFC coach Doug Howell said, “They were the biggest and fastest team we have faced so far. Lauren Howell, Svenja Baumruck, Becca Weatherstone, and Elizabeth Mattison were just some of the girls who played well…and the girls off the bench did a great job.”

The Lady Eagles’ next matches will be played at Clearwater Christian College on September 21 and at Florida Christian College the following day.

TFC Wins at Home, 1-0

The women’s soccer team was victorious over Wesleyan College on September 12, 1-0. With their second consecutive win, the Eagles improve to 4-3 on the year.

Though the tight score line indicates a close game, the Eagles controlled the match and possession of the ball. TFC freshman Lizz Rice put the Eagles ahead in the first half with a strike in the 42nd minute. Once on top, the game was never in doubt. The Wesleyan College Pioneers were able to keep the score close because of the skill of their goalie, Abby Stephens. Stephens registered 34 saves, and was under constant pressure from the Eagles attack. In total, the Eagles tallied 44 shots, a TFC Lady Eagles record. The Pioneers did not have any shots on the goal as the Eagles defense recorded their second consecutive shutout.

On Friday, September 14, the Lady Eagles will travel to Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, for the first time in school history. Game time is 7:00 pm.

Lady Eagles vs. Oglethorpe University 1 – 0, Loss

Women’s soccer hosted Oglethorpe University on Thursday. Despite a solid team effort from the Eagles, the visitors came away with the win, defeating TFC 1-0.

The back and forth contest remained tied at 0-0 until the 85th minute when Oglethorpe was able to take a 1-0 lead off a loose ball in the box. TFC had three good chances on the Oglethorpe net before the final whistle, but were unable to finish the chances. TFC goal keeper Kaeyln Watson saved 12 shots in the loss. “Lauren Howell and the rest of the defense played really well tonight,” reflected head coach Doug Howell. “We forced them to settle for long range shots that Kaeyln (Watson) handled well.”

TFC (1-2) travels to Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, this Saturday. The next home match for the Lady Eagles is Wednesday, September 12 against Wesleyan College. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00pm.

Women’s Soccer Starts Season 1 – 1

TFC hosted the Toccoa Classic soccer tournament over the Labor Day weekend. The Eagles fell to Kentucky Christian University 4-3, but defeated nationally ranked #2 Manhattan Christian College 3-0.

The Lady Eagles (1-1) scored early on a goal by Starry Bone, with an assist from Rachel Berry. The scored remained at 1-0 through halftime, until Berry earned a pair of goals for herself. Berry scored twice, with assists from Cory Buterbaugh and Lauren Howell. The Lady Eagles defense shut down the MCC attack, and Kaelyn Watson and Becca Heath earned the shutout. TFC had a large advantage in the “shots” category, out shooting their opponent 34 to 1.

The next match is Thursday vs. Oglethorpe at home with a 5:00pm kickoff. The win against MCC moved TFC into the #10 spot on the NCCAA rankings.

2012 Lady Eagles Soccer

The 2012 Lady Eagles soccer team will have quite a new look, as more than half the team are new members, with 8 freshmen, and 5 new upper-class players. Four seniors will lead the team: Cory Buterbaugh, All-American and All-Region midfielder; Becca Weatherstone, defender; Starry Bone, midfielder/forward; Kaelyn Watson, goalkeeper- returning after shoulder surgery.

Lauren Howell and Siara Stacey will help continue the Lady Eagles record setting defense – allowing the fewest goals ever by a Lady Eagles team, last season. Along with the new players, Sara Allen, Rachel Berry, Renee St. Pierre, and Carmela Love will be expected to contribute on the field. With the loss of 8 players from last season, there will be competition for positions. Jen Doll, goalkeeper for the 4th ranked Lady Eagles, in 2009, will be returning, but as a field player.

There are 7 teams on the schedule the Lady Eagles have never played before. The Lady Eagles get started early, with an exhibition against Oxford College on Aug. 17.